The English language is largely a conglomeration of loanwords—words adopted from other languages. In fact, perhaps 80 percent of English words have been taken from other languages.¹
Some of these words were borrowed so long ago that we don’t realize it—they’ve become commonplace to us. For example, “ballet” is borrowed from the French, and “war” is an Old Norse word that was incorporated into English during Viking invasions of England.²
Other words have been co-opted more recently, and so we can still easily discern their original flavor. For example, the German word “schadenfreude” is now common among English speakers. This combination of the words “malice” (schaden) and “joy” (freude) essentially means finding happiness at the misfortune of others.
The fact that English speakers have only more recently adopted this particular loanword, however, does not mean the idea is foreign. Unfortunately, “schadenfreude” describes the perspective that some church leaders have toward other ministries. Pastors can become insanely jealous of the success of other churches—and sometimes secretly delight in their struggles.
My calling versus their calling.
As vocational ministers, we’ve responded to the Lord’s call to make disciples for His Kingdom. When our church’s growth feels tediously slow, especially compared to some other churches in the neighborhood, it’s easy for jealousy to invade the mind.
We might begin to believe that other churches’ successes somehow limit the possibility of our own. In fact, it may feel easier to appreciate the ministry of a church of 3,000 an entire state away rather than the church of 300 just down the street.
This could show up as envious critique of the other’s work:
- “That church focuses on entertaining more than worship.”
- “They are just stealing sheep from other ministries.”
- “They must be watering down the gospel.”
This poisonous sentiment can flow over into the members’ mentality as well.
It is impossible to cheer on other local churches when we view them as obstacles rather than allies. This jealousy, though, has little to do with them—and everything to do with our own hearts.
If you find schadenfreude creeping into your thoughts around other churches, consider the following action points for a healthier perspective on Kingdom partnership.
1. Pray for the ministries around you.
Even though we know it to be true, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are all on the same team. Like other avenues toward spiritual growth, one of the best ways to pursue peace with others is to constantly lift them up before the Lord.
After compiling a list of all of the churches or ministries within your community, label it “My Prayer List” and place it wherever you have your daily time with the Lord. Regularly praying for other ministries is a great first step to viewing them as coworkers instead of competition.
2. Focus on your church’s call.
Because the business world’s influence on ministry continues to increase, we are more data-minded than ever. Part of this analysis tends to include the other businesses in our space. Rather than fixating on what the ministry down the street is doing, critically evaluate your own stewardship of God’s resources.
Congregations who are aware of their own flaws tend to be the healthiest. And the success of nearby congregations should be an encouragement to us. Remember the old aphorism: “The rising tide lifts all boats.”
3. Constantly encourage other churches.
We must take to heart the apostle Paul’s charge in his letter to the Romans:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV).
It can be far easier for us to mourn with other ministries than to rejoice with their successes. So actively seek opportunities to collaborate with and promote the churches around yours. If your church isn’t right for people, you still want them to be part of a nurturing fellowship. As long as the Kingdom benefits, does it really matter which congregation a person is part of?
Let’s journey together.
By intentionally praying for and encouraging other churches, and by focusing on personal areas of growth, we can continually remember the value each of our ministries contributes to the Kingdom, plus the value of pursuing Christ’s mission together.
You don’t need to do ministry alone. You can find opportunities to connect, plus more content and conversations about church administration, at XP Summit: xpsummit.org.
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¹ “Which Words Did English Take From Other Languages?” Dictionary.com, October 1, 2018, https://www.dictionary.com/articles/borrowed-words#:~:text=What%20this%20means%20is%20that,in%20the%20English%20melting%20pot.
² “Which Words Did English Take From Other Languages?” Dictionary.com, October 1, 2018, https://www.dictionary.com/articles/borrowed-words#:~:text=What%20this%20means%20is%20that,in%20the%20English%20melting%20pot.
